Method and apparatus for washing solid media

Abstract

A method is described for safely and effectively washing solid gels or films containing biological macromolecules such as proteins or nucleic acids. The method involves placing the gels in an open plastic container and decanting a wash solution horizontally so as to leave the gel at the bottom of the container without using external means to hold the gel down. The undamaged gel can then be safely removed and detection experiments can thus be carried out. A preferred apparatus for carrying out this method is also described and consists of an elongated open-topped side spouted tray.

I claim: 
     
       1. A method of washing biological or other macromolecules comprising the steps of: (1) placing a gel, sheet or film containing biological or other macromolecules onto a surface within a container,   (2) pouring a wash solution into the container onto said gel, sheet or film,   (3) interacting the wash solution with the macromolecules in said gel, sheet or film, and   (4) decanting said wash solution in a substantially horizontal direction which is generally parallel to said surface by slightly tipping the container at a small angle which is sufficient to cause said wash solution to flow out of said container in said direction, such that the washed gel, sheet or film remains within said container in the absence of external means to hold down said gel, sheet or film while said solution is being decanted.   
     
     
       2. A method of washing biological or other macromolecules as claimed in claim 1 wherein said container is incubated before decanting. 
     
     
       3. A method of washing biological or other macromolecules as claimed in claim 1 wherein said container is agitated before decanting. 
     
     
       4. A method of washing biological or other macromolecules as claimed in claim 3 wherein said container is sealed with a material selected from the group consisting of saran wrap and parafilm before agitation. 
     
     
       5. A method of washing biological or other macromolecules as claimed in claim 1 wherein said macromolecules comprises proteins, ligands, antibodies or nucleic acids. 
     
     
       6. A method of washing biological or other macromolecules as claimed in claim 1 wherein the macromolecules are contained by a gel and wherein said gel is comprises of polyacrylamide. 
     
     
       7. A method of washing biological or other macromolecules as claimed in claim 1 wherein the macromolecules are contained by a gel and wherein said gel is comprised of agarose. 
     
     
       8. A method of washing biological or other macromolecules as claimed in claim 1 wherein the macromolecules are contained by a sheet and wherein said sheet is comprised of nitrocellulose. 
     
     
       9. A method of washing biological or other macromolecules as claimed in claim 1 wherein said wash solution is filtered as it is being decanted. 
     
     
       10. A method of washing biological or other macromolecules as claimed in claim 1 wherein the container is comprised of a plastic. 
     
     
       11. A method of washing biological or other macromolecules as claimed in claim 10 wherein the container is comprised of lucite. 
     
     
       12. A method of washing and recovering biological or other macromolecules comprising the steps of: (1) placing a gel, sheet or film containing biological or other macromolecules onto a surface within a container,   (2) pouring a wash solution into the container onto said gel, sheet or film,   (3) interacting the wash solution with the macromolecules in said gel, sheet or film,   (4) decanting said wash solution in a substantially horizontal direction which is generally parallel to said surface by slightly tipping the container at a small angle which is sufficient to cause said wash solution to flow out of said container in said direction such that the washed gel, sheet or film remains within said container in the absence of external means to hold down said gel, sheet of film while said solution is being decanted, and   (5) removing the remaining gel, sheet or film with washed macromolecules from said container.   
     
     
       13. A method of washing and recovering biological or other macromolecules as claimed in claim 12 wherein said remaining gel, sheet or film is removed by lifting out said gel, sheet or film from said container with a pancake turner. 
     
     
       14. A method of washing and recovering biological or other macromolecules as claimed in claim 12 wherein said remaining gel, sheet or film is removed by placing a backing on the gel, sheet of film and turning the tray over to deposit the protected contents onto another surface. 
     
     
       15. A method of washing and recovering biological or other macromolecules as claimed in claim 14 wherein the backing is selected from the group consisting of dry filter bags and damp dialysis bags.